Embracing Resilience: Shifting My Perspective
- Simon Harmer
- Sep 28, 2023
- 1 min read
After receiving life-changing injuries that landed me in a hospital bed, I confronted a profound question: "Why me?"
This sentence would roll around my head until a logical shift occurred. My pondering soon came to a simple conclusion.
"Why not me?"
This simple change in my perspective sparked a mindset that would become instrumental in my recovery and rehabilitation.
Instead of succumbing to the weight of self-pity, I chose resilience, taking ownership of my circumstances and embracing the challenges that life had thrown my way. I won't lie and say it was all plain sailing; it wasn't. But this one sentence changed everything.
This mindset empowered me to rise above adversity, viewing this experience as an opportunity for growth and strength.
It became a mantra guiding me through gruelling physical therapy sessions, painful surgical treatments, and the emotional roller-coaster that often accompanies such life-altering events.
This shift in perspective allowed me to cultivate my determination to 'move on' despite the circumstances I found myself in.
Through embracing resilience and taking ownership of my journey, I turned the 'why me' into a resounding 'why not me'; it helped me move on and take ownership of my life.
I would be interested to learn if this article has helped you and to hear your stories of resilience and perspective. Feel free to leave your thoughts, links to articles in the comments below.
Hey Simon, remember me from that gorgeous Kos holiday a few years back ☺️ Since we had Emily’s diagnosis of a very rare, life-limiting neurodegenerative disorder in 2020, I can honestly say I’ve never asked why us, I don’t think there’s reasoning anywhere to be found, it simply just is. I’ve found that focusing on the things I can control and improve is game changing, much like your mindset - seeing adversity as an opportunity for growth.. we must (sometimes force ourselves to) look for the positives in a shitty situation. The alternative just isn’t a viable option. That’s my 2 pence worth, I hope you, Marissa and your gorgeous brood are all well x
That certainly is a more positive way of looking at particular situations. I myself have gone through alot of trauma and i over many many years and occasionally now (dependant on mood) thought the usual 'why me?', but i have learnt so much about myself through every single situation which has left its mark and i am me, for all the horridness i have had to overcome,i am such a strong person for it. If you applied the "why not me?" To some of my past traumas, i guess it does make you feel more empowered and alot less negative, own it rather then wallow in it. Anyhows, that is my rambling over.